Chairs of the Symposium 2025

Dr. Catarina M. Paquete is an Assistant Research Professor and Team Leader in the IBN group at ITQB NOVA in Portugal. Her research has been devoted to the elucidation of extracellular electron transfer processes performed by electroactive bacteria, and to the determination of the factors that control electron transfer in biological systems. Using molecular biology and electrochemistry she aims to modify electron transfer processes and improve electroactive organisms towards their practical application in biotechnological processes. To date she has published > 50 peer reviewed journal papers, and has been PI of several research projects raising over 1 M€ in research funding. Additionally, she has taken on the role editor for special issues in various journals, while also serving as a reviewer for several scienti c journals and funding agencies.

Prof. Johannes Gescher chairs the Institute of Technical Microbiology at the Technical University in Hamburg, Germany. His research focuses on the application of bioelectrochemical systems in anode assisted fermenta tions, bioelectrosynthesis reactions, and the upcycling of biomass waste streams. The core of all processes developed in his lab are engineered and tailored productive bio lms that catalyze continuous processes, while thriving with electrodes as electron donor or acceptors. He has published > 70 peer reviewed journal papers, raised several million Euros of third-party funding, and is reviewer for research agencies and international journals.